Minority Democrats want Alaska lawmakers to work together outside the confines of the traditional party caucuses in looking for budget solutions this legislative session.

The minority leaders made the pitch in a letter to the House speaker and Senate president. They say they took inspiration from the work done in crafting the state constitution, when Alaskans with different beliefs and from different walks of life worked together.

Of the Senate’s 20 members, five belong to the minority. Of the 40 members in the House, 13 belong to the Democratic-led minority, including one independent.

The House minority has gained greater prominence since the state has begun using the constitutional budget reserve to help balance the budget. A three-fourths vote of each the House and Senate generally is needed to access it.